Matthew 25:10

And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

And {G1161} while they {G846} went {G565} to buy {G59}, the bridegroom {G3566} came {G2064}; and {G2532} they that were ready {G2092} went in {G1525} with {G3326} him {G846} to {G1519} the marriage {G1062}: and {G2532} the door {G2374} was shut {G2808}.

But as they were going off to buy, the bridegroom came. Those who were ready went with him to the wedding feast, and the door was shut.

But while they were on their way to buy it, the bridegroom arrived. Those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut.

And while they went away to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage feast: and the door was shut.

Matthew 25:10 is a pivotal verse within the Parable of the Ten Virgins, highlighting the consequences of unpreparedness for the arrival of the bridegroom, a clear metaphor for the second coming of Jesus Christ.

Context

This verse is found in Jesus' Olivet Discourse, a series of teachings given on the Mount of Olives concerning the end times, His return, and the need for watchfulness. The parable itself illustrates the importance of spiritual readiness. In ancient Jewish wedding customs, the groom would come at an unexpected hour, often at night, to fetch his bride and her bridesmaids for the marriage feast. The bridesmaids were expected to have their lamps lit to join the procession. The "wise" virgins had extra oil for their lamps, while the "foolish" did not, representing different states of spiritual preparedness.

Key Themes

  • Preparedness and Readiness: The verse powerfully emphasizes the critical need for constant spiritual readiness. The foolish virgins, despite their initial good intentions, were caught off guard by the bridegroom's unexpected arrival and their lack of preparation.
  • The Urgency of Christ's Return: The sudden appearance of the bridegroom underscores the unpredictable nature of Jesus' second coming, echoing His earlier warnings to "watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come."
  • Consequences of Neglect: The most striking aspect of this verse is the finality of the "shut door." Those who were not ready were excluded from the marriage feast, symbolizing exclusion from the kingdom of heaven or the eternal celebration with Christ.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: The bridegroom's arrival and the subsequent shutting of the door represent God's sovereign timing and the definitive nature of judgment. Once the door is shut, opportunities cease.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "shut" is kleio (κλείω), which conveys a sense of finality and irreversible closure. It's not merely a temporary closing, but a definitive sealing. This emphasizes the solemn warning that there will be a point of no return for those who have neglected to prepare for Christ's return.

Practical Application

Matthew 25:10 serves as a stark reminder for believers today to live in a state of constant spiritual vigilance and readiness. It encourages personal responsibility for one's faith and spiritual vitality (represented by the oil), rather than relying on others. We are called to cultivate an active faith, engage in good works, and maintain a close relationship with God, so that when Christ returns, we may be among those who are ready to enter into the eternal "marriage supper of the Lamb." The "shut door" serves as a powerful warning against procrastination in matters of faith and salvation, urging us to make our calling and election sure.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Luke 13:25

    When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:

  • 1 Peter 1:13

    ¶ Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

  • Luke 12:36

    And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.

  • Luke 12:37

    Blessed [are] those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.

  • Matthew 24:44

    Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

  • Genesis 7:16

    And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in.

  • Revelation 22:20

    ¶ He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

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